In addition to providing support for new students, our office offers programming throughout the school year specifically designed for first-generation students, transfer students and active service members and veterans. These programs include service opportunities, social engagements, trips in the Asheville area, and informal meet and greets with members of the campus community.
Keep an eye on RockyConnect, the University’s centralized student event calendar where you can find special events hosted by our office as well as other university offices and student organizations.
Commencement Celebrations
Each semester, our office hosts graduation ceremonies for Veteran and Active Military Students and First-Generation Students to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of these two groups.
Students can pick up their graduation cords at Cap and Gown Day on Thursday, April 4 from 10 am.-4 p.m. on the Student Life Porch in Highsmith Student Union. If you believe you should receive a graduation cord for either of these populations and are not able to attend Cap and Gown Day, please email transition@unca.edu.
Veteran Student and Active Military Ceremony
Date: Thursday, May 9
Time: 4:30-5 p.m.
Location: Blue Ridge Room, Highsmith Student Union
First Generation Ceremony
Date: Thursday, May 9
Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Location: Blue Ridge Room, Highsmith Student Union
First-Generation Students
A First Generation Student is any individual whose primary supporters did not receive a 4-year college degree. They may also be students who:
- Have a sibling who received a college degree before them.
- Have a parent who received a college degree, but did not have a close or supportive relationship with that parent.
- Have parents who attended college but did not graduate with a degree.
- Have parents who received college degrees, but were raised by other supporters.
- Are the first in either their maternal or paternal side of the family to receive a degree, but not both.
- Generally feel that they are not equipped with the same social capital to navigate through college as the majority of the student population.
First Gen Fridays
On the First Friday of each month, all First Generation Students, Staff, and Faculty are encouraged to wear their First Gen Proud t-shirts. Members from the Office of Student Transitions and Family Programs will be present on campus, typically inside or out front of Highsmith Student Union, to give out prizes to students who are wearing their t-shirts.
First Generation Celebration Day
We will be holding a First Generation Celebration Day every academic year to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. This act made key investments in colleges and universities to promote postsecondary access, retention, and completion for limited-income, first-generation college students.
First Generation Graduation Celebration
First Generation students may choose to identify themselves as First Generation Graduates by wearing black and green cords during commencement. We will reach out to all graduates as commencement approaches to sign up for cords, but if you have not heard from us or have questions, email us at transition@unca.edu.
First Generation Staff and Faculty
Many faculty were First Generation students as undergraduates. This list was created to show that you are not alone in your experience as a First Generation student, and there are staff and faculty who want to support you in your journey. Everyone on this list has provided their contact information in the hopes that students may reach out when they are in need of help or just an ear to listen. Please read through some of the personal stories and advice that have been provided and don’t hesitate to reach out to anyone on this list.
If you are a First Generation Staff or Faculty member at UNC Asheville and would like to be featured, please fill out the form below.
Transfer Students
Any student who has attended a different college or university following high school and has now accepted admission to UNC Asheville is considered a transfer student. We offer dedicated resources and programming to help transfer students transition to life on campus.
Transfer Student Week
We will be holding a Transfer Student Week every academic year to build community and celebrate our Transfer Students. Follow our Instagram account @uncaembark to stay up-to-date on Transfer Student events. The 2023-2024 Transfer Student Week was held February 5- 9.
Tau Sigma National Honor Society
Tau Sigma is a prestigious national honor society exclusively for transfer students. Our mission is to recognize and promote the academic excellence and involvement of transfer students. Tau Sigma provides its members opportunities to earn scholarships, attend leadership conferences, take leadership positions, and serve others at the university and in the community, all while developing friendships and becoming a more integral part of the campus community.
- You must transfer to UNC Asheville from another academic institution with at least one full year’s academic credits satisfied at the prior institution(s).
- You must be registered in a full-time (12-hour) course of study at UNC Asheville leading to a bachelor’s degree.
- Obtain a 3.5 GPA or greater during your first full-time semester at UNC Asheville. This is not a cumulative GPA.
- Eligibility is limited to the first semester of enrollment at UNC Asheville when you must obtain a 3.5 GPA, and enroll directly after your first semester (you won’t be able to enroll if you don’t enroll directly after your first semester).
Eligible transfer students will receive enrollment instructions via their UNC Asheville email address. Keep in mind that you must join the society during the specified membership period or your eligibility will be revoked. There is a lifetime membership enrollment fee of $45. If you are interested in joining but are financially unable, please reach out to us.
Military Service Members and Veterans
Veteran Center for Excellence
The Veteran Center for Excellence is located on the first floor of Highsmith Student Union across from Alumni Hall. The center opened in spring 2017 to serve as a place for veteran students to meet, relax, and study as well as to gather resources and foster support amongst each other and the campus community. It is the home of the Student Veterans Alliance and serves as their official meeting place throughout the year.
Veteran Student Graduation Celebration
UNC Asheville’s graduating veterans may choose to be recognized by wearing a red, white, and blue cord at Commencement. These cords, which are worn around the shoulders of graduating veteran students, signify the University’s appreciation for our military and veteran students, as well as for their service and sacrifice.
If you are a graduating veteran student interested in participating in this tradition, please email transition@unca.edu.
Contact Us
| Phone: 828.232.2417 |
| Email: transition@unca.edu |
| Instagram: @uncaembark |
| Address: Highsmith Student Union 301 One University Heights, CPO 1200 Asheville, NC 28804 |
| Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
